For the LORD their God will be mindful of them and restore their fortunes. Zephaniah 2:7b
I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book. For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Zephaniah 2:4-15, which is the text for the first division for the next chapter of the commentary, which includes two divisions. The first division covers 2:4-15. The text describes how God will pour out his wrath upon Judah's neighbors, but at the same time He will be mindful of a repentant Judah itself and "restore their fortunes" (v7b). God specifically calls out Judah's neighbors, including Gaza, the Cherethites, Canaan, land of the Philistines, the seacoast, Moab and and the Ammonites, the Cushites, and Assyria/Nineveh. Zephaniah calls out these neighbors for how they "taunted [God's] people and made boasts against their territory (v8, 10)", and how they claimed that they were secure and did not need God (v15). Yet Judah does not get away with anything because as I posted previously on chapter 2 (see posts on vv1-3), Judah is only spared if it accepts God gracious offer of repentance and a return to the Lord (v3). We should all recognize our sin and how we desperately need salvation, and how God freely offers it!
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - You made me one of Your elect while I was still an enemy and hostile to You...thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such a gift. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
